Logo
    Search podcasts and episodes

    How to Make Authentic Connections, Deepen Friendships and Create Lasting Relationships with Raven's BFF, Alyssa Morlacci

    enApril 06, 2023

    About this Episode

    “I think friendships are just as important as choosing a partner. You’re choosing to go through life with someone; you’re choosing to be their support, their cheerleader, their teacher… that’s what creates a true, long-lasting friendship.” My best friend of 13 years, Alyssa Morlacci, joins the show to discuss friendships.
    Alyssa and I met in 2010 as freshman roommates at Kent State University. After graduation, Alyssa moved to Florida while I stayed in Ohio. Even though we were 1200 miles apart, we continued to grow together, remaining friends through six cross-country moves, ten job changes, a dozen failed relationships, several deaths in the family, a couple health scares and one engagement (congrats, Alyssa and Ryan!).
    In this episode, we discuss how to recognize authentic connections and deepen them to create meaningful, long-lasting friendships. We share about overcoming make-or-break moments in our friendship and how we knew ours would be long-lasting. We also talk about the different kinds of friendship (reason, season, lifetime), how to handle a falling out with a friend, signs a friendship has run its course and how to make friends in your early 30s. At the end, we ask questions only a best friend can answer– so ask yours, too!
    Connect with Alyssa:

    Website: alyssamorlacci.com
    Instagram: HERE
    This episode is brought to you by Magic Mind– the world’s first productivity shot. Magic Mind is made with matcha to boost your energy, adaptogens to help you relax, nootropics to help you focus and agave to sweeten the taste. Visit MagicMind.co/astrocandy and use the discount code ASTROCANDY to get up to 56% off your first subscription in the next 10 days or 20% off your first one-time purchase.
    About Astrocandy:

    Host Raven Brinson invites you on a mission of self-exploration and discovery through spiritual and mystical topics like astrology, holistic healing and wellness, manifestation, mindfulness and meditation, human design, chakra balancing and more.
    Connect with Astrocandy:

    Website: astrocandypodcast.com
    Instagram: HERE

    Recent Episodes from Astrocandy

    Balance Your Chakras and Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with MASAH Founder Emily Pogany

    Balance Your Chakras and Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with MASAH Founder Emily Pogany
    “There are so many rules and masculine structures that are still rampant in the health and wellness and spiritual spaces. And I’m here to break all those rules. I’m here to disrupt all the nonsense and rigidity to [remind people] we are meant and designed to experience pleasure.” Intuitive holistic healer and founder of the spiritual confectionary company MASAH, Emily Pogany, joins the show to discuss her innovations in the wellness and spirituality spaces with these delicious chakra caramels.

    As a trauma-informed holistic healer, spiritual teacher and wellness guide, Emily specializes in a variety of energetic, emotional and somatic modalities to support her clients and community. Her practice intends to normalize the conversations and work surrounding healing, personal and spiritual development and empowerment, and to teach others how to love, accept and heal themselves. As the founder of MASAH, Emily has now come to be known as “The Willy Wonka of Spirituality” through her unique brand vision, invoking the energies of play, innovation and imagination in the health and wellness industry.


    In this episode, Emily shares how she embraced her dharma to create chakra caramels and lead a soul-driven company, talking us through the 8 years long spiritual and entrepreneurial journey that led to founding MASAH and how she navigated it without a roadmap. We discuss why it’s crucial to act on your divine ideas and how to stand out in a saturated market. We talk about the importance of healing your visibility wounds in order to magnetize people that most align with your vision and why you should keep going especially when you want to give up. Emily shares her process in carefully choosing the caramel flavors that balance each of the seven chakras and gives us a glimpse at the next four flavors. We also talk about intuitive eating and pleasure-seeking with all five senses.


    Resources and references:

    • Learn more about the 7 chakras HERE
    • Learn more about reiki and breathwork HERE
    • Buy “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho HERE
    • Buy “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert HERE

    Connect with Emily:
    Website: emilypogany.com
    Instagram: HERE
    Order MASAH chakra caramels HERE


    Connect with Astrocandy:
    Website: astrocandypodcast.com
    Instagram: HERE
    Join the Astrocandy Social Club HERE
    Sign up for our free weekly newsletter HERE

    About Astrocandy:

    Host Raven Brinson invites you on a mission of self-exploration and discovery through spiritual and mystical topics like astrology; holistic healing and wellness; manifestation; mindfulness and meditation; human design; chakra balancing and more.

    The Hidden Cost of Chasing Your Dreams (Part 2) ft. Radio Personality, Producer and Singer Emily Sklar

    The Hidden Cost of Chasing Your Dreams (Part 2) ft. Radio Personality, Producer and Singer Emily Sklar
    “Trust yourself. Believe in yourself. Don’t let your doubt creep in. Trust in your talent, skills and ability and let them guide you.” Radio personality, podcast producer and singer Emily Sklar returns to the show to talk about the hidden cost of chasing your dream.

    After 11 years hosting shows on top radio stations like Detroit’s Channel 955 and Washington D.C.’s HOT 99.5, Emily stepped away from the industry full-time in the summer of 2022 to explore her other passions and interests (listen to the “Bet on Yourself with Emily Sklar” episode to hear what led to her decision). With a microphone and a dream, Emily moved from D.C. to L.A. at the beginning of 2023. Since the move, Emily has achieved some of her biggest dreams: appearing on the nationally syndicated “On-Air with Ryan Seacrest,” working at 102.7 KIIS-FM and with the iHeartRadio podcast team, and performing live in venues around the LA-area.


    In the second part of this two-part episode (listen to the first part if you missed it), we discuss the dichotomy of living in the present while looking forward to the future and the importance of spending your life how you want instead of how you think you should. We share our experiences relying on tenacity and true grit to get us through tough times and surviving the ego death that comes with starting over. We talk about how our future plans have changed now that we’ve achieved a life-long dream and why it’s beneficial to keep your options open instead of hyper-focusing on one goal.


    Resources and references:
    • Listen to “Bet on yourself with Emily Sklar” from season 2 HERE
    • Listen to “The Hidden Cost of Chasing Your Dreams - Part 1” HERE
    • Buy “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho HERE


    Connect with Emily:
    Instagram: HERE
    TikTok: HERE

    Connect with Astrocandy:
    Website: astrocandypodcast.com
    Instagram: HERE
    Join the Astrocandy Social Club HERE
    Sign up for our free weekly newsletter HERE

    About Astrocandy:

    Host Raven Brinson invites you on a mission of self-exploration and discovery through spiritual and mystical topics like astrology; holistic healing and wellness; manifestation; mindfulness and meditation; human design; chakra balancing and more.

    The Sign Series: Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) - with Graphic Designer Tina Range

    The Sign Series: Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) - with Graphic Designer Tina Range
    “I’ve always been the person that people go to [for an ear to listen]. People just tell me things. I think people can sense that they can share with me, and I will just listen.” Graphic designer and Pisces sun Tina Range joins the show to discuss all-things The Fish in The Sign Series, a limited Astrocandy subseries that features each zodiac sign during its respective season.
    It’s time to dream big ‘cause it’s Pisces season! Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) is ruled by Neptune, the planet of inspiration, dreams and fantasy, and Jupiter, the planet of good fortune, prosperity and expansion, so it’s no wonder these water signs are swimming in their own internal world; a mystical sea of imagination and emotion. You spent Aquarius season hanging out with your friends and looking forward to the future, and now it’s time to turn inward to discover what lights you up. You’ll hear from Tina who’s mastered the art of spending time alone doing things she loves like cooking a decadent meal or watching a binge-worthy TV show.
    In this episode, we discuss Pisces’ personality traits, strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes and how they show up in friendships and relationships. You’ll also learn how you can tap into Pisces energy to make the most of this imaginative season.
    Connect with Tina:

    Instagram: HERE
    TikTok: HERE
    Resources and references:

    • Create your free Astrology birth chart HERE
    • Subscribe to Alice Bell’s monthly astrological forecasts HERE
    • Join the Astrocandy Social Club HERE
    • Sign up for our free weekly newsletter HERE
    • Listen to Astrocandy’s Pisces Season playlist on Spotify HERE
    About Astrocandy:
    Host Raven Brinson invites you on a mission of self-exploration and discovery through spiritual and mystical topics like astrology; holistic healing and wellness; manifestation; mindfulness and meditation; human design; chakra balancing and more.
    Connect with Astrocandy:

    Website: astrocandypodcast.com
    Instagram: HERE
    TikTok: HERE

    The Hidden Cost of Chasing Your Dreams (Part 1) ft. Radio Personality, Producer and Singer Emily Sklar

    The Hidden Cost of Chasing Your Dreams (Part 1) ft. Radio Personality, Producer and Singer Emily Sklar
    “I’ve always been someone who can’t let go of those [childhood] dreams. I want to make that inner child in me happy at all costs. So I had this deep-rooted dream to come to LA… But all of that logic comes in, and I’m like ‘is this realistic?’” Radio personality, podcast producer and singer Emily Sklar joins the show to talk about the hidden cost of chasing your dream.
    After 11 years hosting shows on top radio stations like Detroit’s Channel 955 and Washington D.C.’s HOT 99.5, Emily stepped away from the industry full-time in the summer of 2022 to explore her other passions and interests (listen to the “Bet on Yourself with Emily Sklar” episode to hear what led to her decision). With a microphone and a dream, Emily moved from D.C. to L.A. at the beginning of 2023. Since the move, Emily has achieved some of her biggest dreams: appearing on the nationally syndicated “On-Air with Ryan Seacrest,” working at 102.7 KIIS-FM and with the iHeartRadio podcast team, and performing live in venues around the LA-area.
    In part one of this two-part episode, we discuss the challenges of chasing a childhood dream and why it’s crucial to believe in yourself when no one else will. We talk about the importance of creating opportunities instead of waiting for them, ignoring other people’s opinions and limiting beliefs, and making empowered decisions that support your goals and long-term vision. We give advice on investing in your future and confronting the fears that come with following a lifelong dream. Emily shares what it was like to move to LA without a plan and how she held the faith when fear and doubt crept in. We also discuss the reckoning you face when you achieve your dream and it’s not everything you thought it would be.
    Connect with Emily:

    Instagram: HERE
    TikTok: HERE
    Resources and references:

    Listen to “Bet on yourself with Emily Sklar” from season 2 HERE
    About Astrocandy:

    Host Raven Brinson invites you on a mission of self-exploration and discovery through spiritual and mystical topics like astrology; holistic healing and wellness; manifestation; mindfulness and meditation; human design; chakra balancing and more.
    Connect with Astrocandy:

    Website: astrocandypodcast.com
    Instagram: HERE
    Join the Astrocandy Social Club HERE
    Sign up for our free weekly newsletter HERE

    Using the Tarot to Support Your Healing Journey with Psychic Reader and “The Inner Tarot” Author Kate Van Horn

    Using the Tarot to Support Your Healing Journey with Psychic Reader and “The Inner Tarot” Author Kate Van Horn
    “I really try to make [tarot readings] as anchoring and grounding as possible. This is a healing experience; it’s not meant to make you fearful or anxious. If a reader’s making you feel that way, they’re doing it wrong.” Tarot reader, psychic and author of “The Inner Tarot: A Modern Approach to Self-Compassion and Empowered Healing Using the Tarot” Kate Van Horn joins the show to discuss how the tarot can support your healing journey and transform your life.
    As a trauma survivor, Kate credits her intuitive gifts and psychic abilities to finding light in periods of shadow. She candidly shares her story overcoming sexual abuse, PTSD, and eating disorders in the hope of inspiring others to radically accept their stories, their bodies and their gifts. Kate, who has been featured in Well + Good, Prevention, mindbodygreen, and many other popular publications and podcasts in the health and wellness space, believes tarot, channeled writing, and intuitive movement can serve as important tools for self-transformation and stand as a beautiful compliment to holistic healing.
    In this episode, Kate shares her experience using tarot as a healing tool after her PTSD diagnosis, which eventually led her to become an intuitive healer and psychic reader. We talk about cultivating a relationship with the cards and deciphering their meaning when you’re a beginner tarot reader, as well as the importance of re-parenting ourselves and using the cards as a way to connect with your inner child. Kate gives tips on how to read your own cards and the best questions to ask the deck. We also discuss the origin of tarot, debunk popular superstitions and review each suit (pentacles, cups, swords and wands) and their meanings. Kate shares about her writing process and what the book means to her both professionally and personally. We also discuss astrology, human design and letting go of the pressure to discover your passion and purpose.
    Connect with Kate:

    Website: katevanhorn.com
    Book: “The Inner Tarot: A Modern Approach To Self-Compassion and Empowered Healing Using the Tarot” (Out Feb. 27, 2024)
    Instagram: HERE
    TikTok: HERE
    About Astrocandy:

    Host Raven Brinson invites you on a mission of self-exploration and discovery through spiritual and mystical topics like astrology, holistic healing and wellness, manifestation, mindfulness and meditation, human design, chakra balancing and more.
    Connect with Astrocandy:

    Website: astrocandypodcast.com
    Instagram: HERE
    Join the Astrocandy Social Club HERE
    Sign up for our free weekly newsletter HERE

    How A Man Decides to Make You ‘The One’ with Author and Dating and Relationship Coach Paula Grooms

    How A Man Decides to Make You ‘The One’ with Author and Dating and Relationship Coach Paula Grooms
    “Love is only one of the criteria of a man choosing you to be ‘the one.’ Love does not conquer all. You can love each other to death, but it doesn't mean you’ll have a relationship that goes the distance.” Author and dating and relationship coach Paula Grooms joins the show to discuss what men need in a relationship in order to commit.
    Paula is a dating and relationship coach, licensed social worker and author of the book, “Why Won’t He Commit? How a Man Decides to Make You ‘The One.’” Using her individualized coaching approach, Paula shows women how to improve their self-concept and override subconscious limiting beliefs through manifestation methods and behavioral change. Paula’s tried-and-true strategies help women all over the world to receive the love, attention and commitment from the men they desire and deserve.
    In this episode, we discuss the difficulties of modern dating and how to navigate dating online and on the apps. We talk about the benefits of working with a dating coach like Paula, who can offer an objective perspective and advice, including tips to avoid common dating mistakes and playing games. Paula shares “the two things a man needs above all” to commit to a woman and explains two core concepts in her book: The Puppy Principle (why a guy won’t commit) and Consumers Vs. Buyers (the differences between a guy who’s just using you and a guy who’s interested in a committed relationship). Paula also shares “the number one red flag” in a dating relationship and the importance of healing our inner child in order to have a healthy relationship with our partner.
    Connect with Paula:

    Website: coachpaulagrooms.com
    Podcast: “Make Him Wonder”
    Book: “Why Won’t He Commit? How A Man Decides To Make You 'The One’"
    Instagram: HERE
    Resources and references:

    Click HERE to listen to Coach Paula’s episode with Raven on “Make Him Wonder”
    If you’re looking for a space to connect in a spiritual community, you’re cordially invited to The Astrocandy Social Club, a free, invite-only community group for people who love astrology, spirituality and mysticism. There’s a multitude of categories and channels within the community to learn about and discuss with other ASC members, from astrology and manifestation to human design, tarot, holistic healing and more. Here, you can build community, share your wisdom, gain insights, create friendship and find yourself. Click here to join the community.
    About Astrocandy:

    Host Raven Brinson invites you on a mission of self-exploration and discovery through spiritual and mystical topics like astrology, holistic healing and wellness, manifestation, mindfulness and meditation, human design, chakra balancing and more.
    Connect with Astrocandy:

    Website: astrocandypodcast.com
    Instagram: HERE

    The Sign Series: Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - with Global Playlist Curator Alex Gervasi

    The Sign Series: Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - with Global Playlist Curator Alex Gervasi
    “I really embrace what makes me happy, and it’s not ‘quiet luxury.’ It’s gold rings, leopard print, leather– it’s whatever the f*ck I feel like wearing.” Senior Director of Global Playlist Programming at Warner Music Group and Aquarius sun Alex Gervasi joins the show to discuss all-things The Water Bearer in The Sign Series, a limited Astrocandy subseries that features each zodiac sign during its respective season.
    It’s time to make the world a better place ‘cause it’s Aquarius season! Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) is ruled by Pluto, the planet of freedom, originality and surprise, and Saturn, the planet of responsibility and discipline, so it’s no wonder these one-of-a-kind air signs are the trailblazers and trendsetters of the Zodiac. You spent Capricorn season committed to setting new goals, creating new habits and establishing new routines, and now it’s time to come together in a like-minded community to focus on your hopes, dreams and the future. You’ll learn from Alex, who understands that creativity is the key to a progressive reality, and hear how she expresses her creativity in her career (through curating global music playlists), her home (through collecting eclectic decor) and her wardrobe (through thrifting eccentric statement pieces).
    In this episode, we discuss Aquarius’ personality traits, strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes and how they show up in friendships and relationships. You’ll also learn how you can tap into Aquarius energy to make the most of this innovative season.
    Connect with Alex:

    Instagram: HERE
    TikTok: HERE
    Podcast: “Alex Tries Her Best”
    Resources and references:

    Create your free Astrology birth chart
    Subscribe to Alice Bell’s monthly astrological forecasts
    “Mind Over Manifesting: A Digital Manifestation Journal”
    If you’re looking for a space to connect in a spiritual community, you’re cordially invited to The Astrocandy Social Club, a free, invite-only community group for people who love astrology, spirituality and mysticism. There’s a multitude of categories and channels within the community to learn about and discuss with other ASC members, from astrology and manifestation to human design, tarot, holistic healing and more. Here, you can build community, share your wisdom, gain insights, create friendship and find yourself. Message @astrocandypodcast on Instagram to receive the exclusive link to join the community.
    About Astrocandy:

    Host Raven Brinson invites you on a mission of self-exploration and discovery through spiritual and mystical topics like astrology, holistic healing and wellness, manifestation, mindfulness and meditation, human design, chakra balancing and more.
    Connect with Astrocandy:

    Website: astrocandypodcast.com
    Instagram: HERE

    Why Quitting Your Job and Buying a Farm Won’t Alleviate Your Career Burnout with Coach for High Achievers Chris Castillo

    Why Quitting Your Job and Buying a Farm Won’t Alleviate Your Career Burnout with Coach for High Achievers Chris Castillo
    “Your purpose is not a vocation. Your purpose is to be you at your best, which means that you can constantly grow and evolve.” Founder of Empowered Achievers and coach for high achievers Chris Castillo joins the show to discuss how high achievers can transform their mindset and alleviate their career pressures and burnout.
    Formerly navigating the world of advertising with clients like Google and YouTube, Chris shifted her focus to talent development after realizing the pressure of pursuing external success had driven her to an unfulfilling career. Since founding Empowered Achievers in 2016, Chris has been recognized as a Millennial Career Expert in publications like Glamour, Thrive Global & Kivo Daily, and she continues to work with clients to change their mindset, align with their values and find fulfillment.
    In this episode, Chris describes “high achievers” and their most common career pressures, from professional people pleasing to overextending and over committing themselves at work. We talk about the importance of cultivating a growth versus fixed mindset, the benefits of taking a pause in your career and why escapism fantasies like quitting your job to run a farm won’t alleviate your career pressure and burnout. We also discuss how to identify the “head trash” that deters your decision-making and how to instill new beliefs that inspire aligned action. Chris shares how Empowered Achievers can offer the guidance, resources and community support you need to make empowering career choices.
    Connect with Chris:

    Website: BeEmpoweredAchievers.com
    Instagram: HERE
    TikTok: HERE
    If you’re looking for a space to connect in a spiritual community, you’re cordially invited to The Astrocandy Social Club, a free, invite-only community group for people who love astrology, spirituality and mysticism. Here, you can build community, share wisdom, gain insights, cultivate friendship and find yourself. Message @astrocandypodcast on Instagram to receive the exclusive link to join the community.
    About Astrocandy:

    Host Raven Brinson invites you on a mission of self-exploration and discovery through spiritual and mystical topics like astrology, holistic healing and wellness, manifestation, mindfulness and meditation, human design, chakra balancing and more.
    Connect with Astrocandy:

    Website: astrocandypodcast.com
    Instagram: HERE

    What To Expect in 2024 Based on Your Personal Year Number in Numerology

    What To Expect in 2024 Based on Your Personal Year Number in Numerology
    “Numerology can tell us a lot about our lives. Did you know your house address has a vibrational frequency? So does your life path number, your birthday and your personal year number.” On this week’s episode, we discuss numerology and what to expect in 2024 based on your personal year number.
    According to numerology, each number (1-9) has its own unique vibrational energy. Depending on how these numbers show up in our lives, they give us insights on our personality, life path and destiny. A personal year number in numerology shows us what we can expect in the upcoming or past calendar years.
    In this episode, we discuss the history of numerology, the significance of personal year numbers, how to calculate them and what you can look forward to in 2024 based on yours.

    Timestamps:
    - 16:22: How to calculate your personal year number

    - 21:20: 1 Year
    - 5:28: 2 Year
    - 30:00: 3 Year
    - 34:45: 4 Year
    - 9:16: 5 Year
    - 43:13: 6 Year
    - 46:00: 7 Year
    - 49:25: 8 Year
    - 53:00: 9 Year
    Resources and References:

    - Create your astrology birth chart for free at astro-charts.com
    - Download and print the “Mind Over Manifesting: A Digital Guided Manifestation Journal”
    - Follow the Cosmic Latte on Instagram
    - Calculate your personal year number at astro-seek.com
    About Astrocandy:
    Host Raven Brinson invites you on a mission of self-exploration and discovery through spiritual and mystical topics like astrology, holistic healing and wellness, manifestation, mindfulness and meditation, human design, chakra balancing and more.
    Connect with Astrocandy:

    Website: astrocandypodcast.com
    Instagram: HERE
    If you’re looking for a space to connect in a spiritual community, you’re cordially invited to The Astrocandy Social Club, a free, invite-only community group for people who love astrology, spirituality and mysticism. Here, you can build community, share wisdom, gain insights, cultivate friendship and find yourself. Message @astrocandypodcast on Instagram to receive the exclusive link to join the community.

    The Sign Series: Capricorn (Dec. 21 - Jan. 20) - with OSU Wexner Medical Center Credentialing Specialist Rachel Stelzer

    The Sign Series: Capricorn (Dec. 21 - Jan. 20) - with OSU Wexner Medical Center Credentialing Specialist Rachel Stelzer
    “I’m such a planner. I want to know everything ahead of time and plan for things. [I make] lists for work, packing, groceries– I have to have a list for everything.” Credentialing specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Capricorn sun Rachel Stelzer joins the show to discuss all-things The Sea Goat in The Sign Series, a limited Astrocandy subseries that features each zodiac sign during its respective season.
    Make a to-do list and check it twice ‘cause it’s Capricorn season! Capricorn (Dec. 21 - Jan. 20) is ruled by Saturn, the planet of discipline, responsibility and karma, so it’s no wonder these earth signs work so hard– because they know hard work pays off (and pays the bills). You spent the Sagittarius season living life to the fullest, and now it’s time to take life more seriously. Work to set new goals, create new habits and establish new routines in order to reap the rewards in the New Year. Learn from Rachel, a taskmaster Capricorn who planned her bachelorette, wedding shower, wedding and baby shower all in one year (that’s A LOT of lists).
    In this episode, we discuss Capricorn’s personality traits, strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes and how they show up in friendships and relationships. You’ll also learn how you can tap into Capricorn energy to make the most of this goal-oriented season.

    Resources and references:

    Create your free Astrology birth chart HERE
    Subscribe to Alice Bell's monthly astrological forecasts HERE
    If you’re looking for a space to connect in a spiritual community, you’re cordially invited to The Astrocandy Social Club, a free, invite-only community group for people who love astrology, spirituality and mysticism. There’s a multitude of categories and channels within the community to learn about and discuss with other ASC members, from astrology and manifestation to human design, tarot, holistic healing and more. Here, you can build community, share your wisdom, gain insights, create friendship and find yourself. Message @astrocandypodcast on Instagram to receive the exclusive link to join the community.
    About Astrocandy:

    Host Raven Brinson invites you on a mission of self-exploration and discovery through spiritual and mystical topics like astrology, holistic healing and wellness, manifestation, mindfulness and meditation, human design, chakra balancing and more.
    Connect with Astrocandy:

    Website: astrocandypodcast.com
    Instagram: HERE